Glucose, Fasting

A Glucose Fasting test determines the quantity of glucose, or sugar, in your bloodstream. Your body turns the carbohydrates you consume into glucose, which you can use for energy. Blood glucose levels that are very high or low may indicate a significant medical problem, such as diabetes.  

Doctors frequently request a blood glucose test to help identify diabetes. Gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes are the main conditions that are diagnosed or treated by glucose testing. Chronically high blood sugar levels can cause heart disease, renal damage, blindness, and other catastrophic diseases if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to maintain normal fasting blood sugar levels.

 Due to the risk of seizures, paralysis, and even mortality, doctors view extremely low blood sugar as a medical emergency. There are various types of blood glucose tests that are employed to monitor abnormal blood glucose levels, including: 

• Random (non-fasting) 
• Fasting 
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), is a two-hour post-prandial test that is conducted following the consumption of food or liquid. These post-meal tests can demonstrate how effectively a person with diabetes is controlling their blood glucose levels 

The Apollo 24|7 blood glucose test is a fasting test that accurately determines how much glucose is present in the blood after an 8 - 10 hour fast. The Glucose Fasting test is performed to:  

• Test for or identify diabetes and pre-diabetes  
• Keep  track of blood sugar levels in patients undergoing treatment 
• Learn how blood sugar levels are impacted by diet and activity
• Recognize the effects of additional variables, such as stress or anxiety, on blood sugar levels
• Monitor your progress in achieving your overall treatment objectives

Furthermore, testing for Hypoglycemia can occasionally be performed using blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia is a condition that develops when blood glucose levels are too low, typically below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). 

People with diabetes who take too much insulin or engage in rigorous exercise or meal skipping risk of developing Hypoglycemia. Less frequently, various underlying diseases or drugs can result in Hypoglycemia. 

Similarly, a blood glucose test can also be used to diagnose Hyperglycemia, which is characterized by high blood glucose levels compared to the normal range. Values above 140 mg/dl indicate Hyperglycemia. These elevated blood sugar levels primarily result from insufficient or malfunctioning insulin. 

Medically reviewed by Dr. K Surya Pavan Reddy, Diabetologist at Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills,Hyderabad.